Guitarist Glen Drover (ex-MEGADETH) has dropped out of Geoff Tate's version of QUEENSRYCHE before the band has even played its first show.

Drover released the following statement:

"I am really sorry to say that I have decided to bow out of Geoff Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE. I was very excited about doing this gig initially, but learned in the past week or so that it's in my best interest not to do this right now. I feel really bad for those who were excited about the idea, and to Geoff himself, who, I have to say, was very nice to me on my past trip to Seattle. I, of course, am very disappointed for arriving at this point, and making this decision, to say the least. I sincerely wish the Geoff and the band all the luck on what they do in the future."

As previously announced, Tate has put together his own version of QUEENSRYCHE that features Rudy Sarzo (OZZY, QUIET RIOT, DIO) on bass and Bobby Blotzer (RATT) in addition to Drover, who has now bailed. The group plans to tour early next year.